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A wise person should listen, and he will increase learning.
A person with understanding should obtain guidance
so he will understand proverbs, puzzling statements,[a]
and the thought-provoking words of the wise.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of[b] knowledge,
but stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Solomon’s Speeches About Wisdom

First Address to a Son:
Avoid the Company of Sinners

Listen, my son, to your father’s discipline,
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching,
because they are a garland of grace for your head.
They are jewelry for your neck.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 1:6 Or enigmas
  2. Proverbs 1:7 Or prerequisite for or most important part of

23 If you respond to my warning,
I will pour out my spirit for you.
I will make my words known to you.

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Second Address to a Son: Wisdom Provides Protection

My son, if you accept my words,
if you store up my commands within you,
    by paying attention[a] to wisdom with your ear,
    by reaching out for understanding with your heart,
if indeed you call out for intelligence,
if you raise your voice for understanding,
if you search for it like silver,
if you hunt for it like hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
then you will find the knowledge of God,
because the Lord gives wisdom.
Knowledge and understanding come from his mouth.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 2:2 Or so you can pay attention

When arrogance comes, shame follows,
but with humility comes wisdom.

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15 The way of a stubborn fool seems correct to him,
but whoever listens to advice is wise.

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Wise Ways to Live

13 A wise son accepts his father’s discipline,
but a scornful son does not listen to a reprimand.

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10 Insolence produces only strife,
but wisdom resides with those who take advice.

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20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm.

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A scoffer seeks wisdom yet finds none,
but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.
Keep away from a foolish person,
since you will not learn anything from his lips.
The wisdom of a sensible[a] person is that he understands his way,
but the stupidity of fools is deceptive.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:8 Or prudent
  2. Proverbs 14:8 Or deceives them

18 Gullible people inherit stupidity,
but sensible people embrace knowledge.

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29 A patient person has great understanding,
but an impatient person exalts foolishness.

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33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning.
It can be recognized even among fools.

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